"Non-linear optics using intense optical coherent state superpositions" was published in Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 013601 (2025).
In an experimental and theoretical study published in Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 013601 (2025), Th. Lamprou (FORTH-IESL), J. Rivera-Dean (ICFO), P. Stammer (ICFO), M. Lewenstein (ICFO) and P. Tzallas (FORTH-IESL) have demonstrated a scheme which introduces coherent light state superpositions (namely optical "cat" states) into the realm on non-linear optics. The findings introduce the optical "cat" states into the realm of non-linear quantum optics, opening up exiting new paths in quantum information science and quantum light engineering.
Introducing coherent light state superpositions into the realm of non-linear optics.
Coherent superpositions of light states (CSS) (namely optical "cat" states) are among the key resources driving the development of new quantum technologies. However, limitations in existing quantum light preparation schemes prevent their intensity enhancement, restricting their application in nonlinear optics.
Now, the authors in [1] have demonstrated a scheme that overcomes these limitations, enabling the generation of intense CSS with femtosecond durations and mean photon numbers orders of magnitude higher than those produced by existing CSS schemes. The researchers utilized these states in nonlinear optics to drive second harmonic generation in an optical crystal, converting the infrared-frequency photons of the CSS state into blue-frequency photons.
The findings introduce the CSS into the realm of non-linear quantum optics, opening up exiting new paths in quantum information science and quantum light engineering.
Reference:
[1] Th. Lamprou, J. Rivera-Dean, P. Stammer, M. Lewenstein, and P. Tzallas, "Non-linear optics using intense optical coherent state superpositions", Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 013601 (2025).